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To do or not to do?

Hi guys, I've been wondering about taking up a degree on International Restaurant Management at Le Cordon Bleu.

I have a culinary cert by a private school in Singapore, and about a years worth of working experience. Can't make up my mind to take the degree or continue working as the current market is kinda crappy pay wise.. Also would like some overseas exposure.

I hear you, but think of instead going to any kind of school go to big city, get a job as a waiter, and consider this as your starting point.
Respect is gained through service, not through certificates. And theres nothing better then "field experience".

Hmm. Any suggestions on where to start? And anything about the working laws and visas needed? I'm from Singapore, 24 years old and have to report back to my country for 2 weeks every year for army reservist training .
basically the idea of getting a degree is due to pressure from my parents lol. They are pretty unhappy with my career choice...

I dont know how it works for States or Australia, but you can find good quality establishment in New Zeland, In England actually some of the best places are hidden in the countryside. Depends also what level do you see yourself at?
You dont have to go to 3 star restaurant to get well trained. But you need a lot of luck to get to a place where your boss will perform well as a mentor.

Most restaurants accept stages/interns,just pick the ones you would love to work at,go to their website and beg them to take you on and keep pestering them.That's the easy way.The other more difficult way is to start traveling and then start knocking on as many doors as you can until they relent and take you on.That's one thing I kinda regret not doing(staging).Every country will have different visa requirements so you should check it out.Don't be pressured by your parents if this is something you really love and want to do.In the end it's your life not theirs.

They will pay YOU for doing it, you get a resume, connections, real experience, and a chance to see if you really like it.

Sorry to all of those who love the CIA, or went there and now are hundred-thousand-aires, but I think it is a massive waste of time. I know one person that needs to go, and that is because she is a perfect candidate--she's a student by nature, eager to please, would benefit greatly from knowing the names of things in French(so she can accurately convey what she wants) and prefers to be told a "right way" to do things.

They will pay YOU for doing it, you get a resume, connections, real experience, and a chance to see if you really like it.

I've been in and out of this industry(cos I gotta serve in the Army) and I do like it Working in an Italian restaurant for about 6 months now.

Originally Posted by johndoughy

I know one person that needs to go, and that is because she is a perfect candidate--she's a student by nature, eager to please, would benefit greatly from knowing the names of things in French(so she can accurately convey what she wants) and prefers to be told a "right way" to do things.

I am gonna have to agree with johndoughy I got into the industry by working my butt off without going to school because i would rather learn to get paid than pay to learn. I know where you are coming from because i'm asian and i know how asian parents put a big emphasis on education and going into the restaurant industry probably isn't their dream for you. At the end of the day, a chef usually doesn't care about your degrees, they hire you based on your attitude, work ethic, and experience. If you really love cooking and want to pursue this as a career then you have to say F the haters because as long as you are learning and happy, thats all that matters.